Winter Series Race 2 to Blairgowrie Update

July 3rd is the next ORCV Winter Series Race with destination Blairgowrie with July 4th being the women skipper and navigation race back to Melbourne.

Preparation is underway at BYS and this time we have all the permits done and will start the race after the on water flare drill.  You need to enter the race to be in the flare drill.

Blairgowrie are working hard to accommodate us as the battle against the constantly changing "goal post" being moved and how we can be provided with some warm meals upon arrival.  The get together may be different to prior years and numbers are limited due to restrictions.  See step 6 below for how to book for dinner and your options. Last minute yacht entries will not be an option this time.  

Flexibility and getting your entries in quickly is going to be key please.

More about the race, how to enter and berthing options are below.

Before you call the ORCV office, please consult the FAQ section below for more information on BYS marina depths and how berthing happens.

Entry is simple, just follow these steps please:

Step 1 - NOR - Make sure you comply and review the Notice of Race here.  Sailing instructions and Notice to Competitors can also be found here too

Step 2 - Enter the race here, make sure you have completed the payment section as well.  Note:  If you are doing both races on Saturday and Sunday, please ensure you enter each individually and update crew accordingly too.

Step 3 - Add Crew Once the boat has been entered, please click here and update the existing entry and ensure ALL your crew listed.

Add in the crew is about halfway down the page after selecting update existing series entry and logging in and looks like this

Step 4 - Bay Pass - If any crew DO NOT have a valid active Australian Sailing number, that is they aren’t currently a member of another club, they will need to buy a BAY Pass

Step 5 - Intention to Stay - If you intend to stay overnight at BYS, please let us know by email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Step 6 - Book in for dinner at BYS or feel free to make your own arrangements elsewhere in Blairgowrie or Sorrento.  Due to restrictions numbers are limited this year in the BYS clubhouse - which we know you will all understand.  To book for either the 6pm or 8pm timeslot here https://www.trybooking.com/784003

Lastly, we really would like to have you come and join us and as you’d appreciate it’s very tricky with the constantly changing restrictions being announced with short notice.

FAQ’s

Will there be berthing at BYS

Yes, BYS have a defined number of berths and will do all they can to accommodate boats. Some rafting maybe required although. You must enter the race and be fully paid to be considered for a berth.

What’s the depth at BYS

There are some berths 3.0m and up to 3.6m berths.  Please double check your depth as on Topyacht as this is the measurement we will use with BYS when working on allocations.

Do I need to book with BYS direct?

No, by entering the race, we will communicate with BYS directly who will allocate all berths based on what your Topyacht boat profile indicates as your depth, breath and length to the best option they have for you.

Can you let me know the berth so I can enter?

No, you must enter and pay your entry for consideration on berthing. BYS will only deal with the ORCV direct for allocation and this allocation will be communicated a day ahead of the race.

Will there be meals?

At this stage with current restrictions constantly changing, what is allowed is being investigated and more details will follow shortly.

Do I need to stop at BYS?

No, you can enjoy the race with the fleet and make your own arrangements. Just drop us a line to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. so we know your intentions.

 

Photo:  Race 1, 2021 Winter Series Race 1, the Start Photo by Dave Hewison

Weight to leeward on the Great Ocean Road Sail

Another ORCV Apollo Bay race has been run and won, with Alien (R880) claiming victory as overall race winner. The fleet of 41 enjoyed a cool but sunny day on their run to Apollo Bay, with a breeze that turned fickle in the closing stages of the race. Whilst many yachts enjoyed a smooth run to Cape Patton, only a few managed to escape the wind shadow of the Otways, and make it to Apollo Bay before dark.

 

Fleet start heading to Apollo Bay on the Great Ocean Road Sail. Photo Aaron Cole

Skipper of the winning boat, Justin Brenan, stated that the key to the race was being on the right part of the course, and working the sail configuration tirelessly. “A lot of boats followed the rhumb line and ended up in a dead patch, and several other boats went too far offshore and ended up paying a distance penalty. We aimed for the middle, and peeled between the asymmetric kite, code 0 and jib constantly, to keep the boat going at its best.”

 Alien battling it out Photo Geoff Onions

Goggo managed to claim line honours at 5:40pm, just beating Extasea and Cadibarra 8; with the following few hours seeing yachts jostling to make it around Mark AB and across the finishing line. With the fleet being split by those who followed the wind predictions and opted for the rhumb line drag race, and those who ventured further out and turned for Apollo Bay much later; the race was decided in the final 10 miles, when it all came down to who could find the breeze. Congratulations to all competitors who took part in this year’s race; full results can be found here: https://www.orcv.org.au/results/2020-21/2021M2AB/series.htm?ty=47448

Crew of Goggo on the water. Photo Bill Newman 

AMS

1st ? Alien R880 2nd ? How Bizarre S13 3rd ? Arcadia S17

ORCc
1st ?Patriot SM133 2nd ? Vagabond S477 3rd ? RMS Cole Walker SM2024

IRC
1st ?How Bizarre S13 2nd ? Arcadia S17 3rd ?Patriot SM133

DH
1st ?Saltair R410 2nd ?Maverick SM3600 3rd ?RMS Cole - Walker SM2024

PHS
1st ?Goggo G7007 2nd ? ALIEN R880 3rd ?Vagabond S477

Line Honours ?Goggo G7007

Under Spinnaker the fleet set sail.  Photo Pavel Cherepanov

 

Race Update for the 2021 ORCV Apollo Bay Race

Race Results

Alien Crew at the Great Ocean Road Brewhouse Photo Neville Rose

4.20pm Update

 The race directors are setup at the finish and have the fleet in sight.  It's going to be a close for line honours between Cadibarra 8 and Extasea at this point with Vagabond and Patriot not far behind.  The fleet has now largely split into 3 groups, with Arcadia, Alien, Faster Forward, Skullduggery, Carerra S, Vertigo and RMS Cole Walker making up this second group and now finding some 5 knots of boat speed again.  The balance of the fleet off Kennett River has hit a windless area and seem to be now averaging under 3 knots.  It's got slow for some with Dream, Next Step and True Colours retiring, all onboard safe. 

2pm Update

The conditions are holding (from largely the North) although the wind has dropped a little.  Cadibarra 8 is leading with Extasea now back in the first pack after.  A little further out to sea we see RMS Cole Walker, Vagabond and Soiree Bleu having a great run.  The winds look they are going to hold now with most of the fleet likely to finish by late afternoon.  There's not a lot in it with most of the fleet insight of each other all flying light air sails such as Assy's, Code 0, kites or similar.   As they approach Cape Patton and winds lighter, the fleet have largely started to come together.   Pop over to our facebook page to view more photos

Arcadia enjoying the Great Ocean Road Sail Photo Karen Young

 

11.30 am Incoming Sail Captain Jeremy Walton update

With wind just aft of the beam and right on prediction, the seas and boat is relatively flat.  Code O is up and all are making good progress to Apollo Bay with rough prediction of a mid to late afternoon finish.

 

10.30am On Water Report from Karen Young on Faster Forward

Definitely light wind sailing.  

 

8.20am Race Director (Start) Update

The 68th ORCV Melbourne to Apollo Bay race is off after a delayed start of 10 mins. It's a chilly morning in 10-12 knots of breeze from the north. 40 boats with some 280 crew onboard are about to commence what will be a glorious days sailing. We say farewell to White Noise who has had fuel issues and are safely tucked up at BYS.

Cadibarra 8 lead the fleet out through the heads with Dream, Patriot, Carrera S, Extasea and White Spirit close behind.

 

 

 

Prior to the Start - Jeremy Walton incoming ORCV Sail Captain.

Final Reminders – 68th Apollo Bay Race

Before you head off, just some final reminders, please. 

Photos - Let us be part of your adventure by sharing your images with us.  Please take crew photos, scenery, on water action shots either on your way to the start or if conditions allow during the race.  You can share them with us via email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or via this races Whatsapp group here https://chat.whatsapp.com/ERofdFUGwl9CR8KPaUvVnW

Yes, we are running "a best photo" competition again with the winner being able to select $75 towards a training event or ORCV merchandise.  Entries must be to us by 5pm on Sunday 23rd May.  Don't forget to include your name.  We would like to use any photos to build the sport, increase participation, on media releases and talking about your great results of boat finishing posts.  If you are posting to social media, please include #orcv too.

Sailing Instructions - if you haven't already located them please click on this link. https://www.orcv.org.au/apollo-bay-race-documents 

Harbour Entry for Apollo Bay - Your Sailing Instructions have been amended to include harbour depths and the new navigation lights added in November 2020.  Please note these lights may not show on your charts.  Sailing instructions can be found here

Presentation.  The race presentations will be held at The Great Ocean Road Brewhouse at a time determined by your Race Directors.  Dave and his team at the Brewhouse are expecting the first arrivals around 6 pm for dinner and have arranged a band from 8pm for your enjoyment.  The kitchen closes at 8.30 pm so we ask you to come up for dinner soon after arriving as tables may need to be turned over for crews arriving later.  Please check your boat intention to stay is correct below so we can keep updating the pub.

• Boats Staying Overnight:  Algy Rose, Alien, Audere, Blue Water Tracks, Faster Forward, Hot Chipps, Joker on Tourer, Magic Bullet, Protagonist, Rozinante II, Saltair, Skullduggery, Summer's Lease, True Colours, Vertigo, White Spirit

• Staying only for a short while:  Cadibarra 8, Vagabond, RMS Cole Walker

• Will Stay if Depth is OK:  Ca Bouge

If your boat name is not above, means you have either indicated that your intention is to go through the finish and return to Melbourne or you haven't responded.  Until Friday midday, you can email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. any changes.  After this, please call the Race Director.

Trackers - Leave at Home Documents - As this is a coastal race, your friends and family can follow our Facebook, Instagram, website and can follow many who have AIS on marine traffic.  The Leave at Home and Sked sheets are ready for you here too.

Clean Oceans.  As with all ORCV races, we encourage each boat and competitor to reduce the level of single-use plastic on board by using reusable and water bottles, using boat cutlery and plates, refilling onboard and taking food in reusable containers.  Apollo Bay has natural beauty and a community that is focused on sustainability.  

Enjoy the beautiful weather and what's going to be an amazing Great Ocean Road Sail.

Tim & Delma
ORCV Media